Joel Embiid Making it Hard to See Any Doubt in the Sixers’ Success This Season 

Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia 76ers are preparing for this year’s playoffs and currently sitting at the three spot in the Eastern Conference. Despite missing Joel Embiid and James Harden in their Monday loss against the Denver Nuggets, Tyrese Maxey impressed with 29 points, and Paul Reed contributed 16 points and 9 rebounds. Paul Reed, who is usually providing minutes off the bench, was in place for Embiid. In spite of defeat, it was fulfilling to see Reed contribute and show growth heading into the playoffs facing the two-time MVP, Nikola Jokic. 

Coming off Monday’s loss, Philadelphia put an end to their three-game losing streak after facing the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. Embiid and Harden returned to the scene. Embiid piled 25 and 9 boards, and Harden finished with 15 and 12 assists.

Although Kyrie Irving’s presence helped the Mavs build a double-digit lead in the first quarter, Tyrese Maxey and Embiid heated up in the second and third quarters, and the Mavs’ offense struggled to keep up. With only five points scored in the final seven minutes of the game, the Mavericks’ chances of making it to the Play-In tournament became slimmer. Luka Doncic finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Irving scored 23. The Sixers took the win, 116-108. 

With the Wednesday night win, the Sixers are five games behind the top spot occupied by the Milwaukee Bucks and two games behind the Boston Celtics. There are six games remaining in the season, including two matchups against the Celtics and Bucks. The playoff picture could change dramatically by the end of the season on April 9th. The Bucks and Celtics will face each other tonight in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown that could either increase the Bucks’ lead to four games or cut it down to two. The Sixers will face the Bucks on Sunday night and have a chance to make a statement for the playoffs. 

Overall, the Sixers’ record this season has been impressive. A record of 38 wins and 16 losses since their 12-12 start. Joel, Harden, and Maxey have been clicking on all cylinders when all healthy and in the lineup together. A home record of 27-11 has been a significant factor in their success, particularly in the Eastern Conference, where they have a record of 30-16 against conference teams.

Joel Embiid’s case for MVP is the strongest it’s ever been. He is currently averaging 33.2 points per game. That is a feat achieved only by three players in the past 40 years: Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and James Harden. Despite the success, Philly has been at this spot before in recent years. It is exciting but interesting to see how the Sixers will perform down the stretch.